Kansas Radon Program Newsletter

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1 Kansas Radon Program Newsletter Serving individuals certified in radon measurement, mitigation and laboratory services in Kansas. January 2019 Questions? Let s Talk. Certification Questions Mark Ungerer/ Jason Meinholdt at KDHE: General Radon Questions Brian Hanson at KSU: IN THIS ISSUE: January is Kansas Radon Action Month Radon in Kansas Schools KDHE Mitigation Rate Survey Results Save the Date for AARST International Symposium Kudos!: If You See Something, Say Something. Upcoming Training Kansas State Radon Map Update Save the Date!: March 5,

On December 18, 2018, Governor Jeff Colyer declared January 2019 Kansas Radon Action Month (KRAM).

University of Kansas Medical Center/Kansas Cancer Partnership; Denise G. Dias, M.S.

Governor Tracey Mann; Mark Ungerer, KDHE/ Radiation Control Program; Kendra Baldridge, KDHE/Bureau of Community Health Systems; Wesley Hodgden, Midwest Radon; Kim Steves, KDHE/Radiation Control

2 On December 18, 2018, Governor Jeff Colyer declared January 2019 Kansas Radon Action Month (KRAM). Pictured above from left to right: Joshua Mammen, MD PhD FACS, University of Kansas Medical Center/Kansas Cancer Partnership; Denise G. Dias, M.S., Johnson County K-State Research and Extension; Rachel Santos, KDHE/Environmental Public Health Tracking; Henri Menager, KDHE/Epidemiology; Lt. Governor Tracey Mann; Mark Ungerer, KDHE/ Radiation Control Program; Kendra Baldridge, KDHE/Bureau of Community Health Systems; Wesley Hodgden, Midwest Radon; Kim Steves, KDHE/Radiation Control Program; Holly Frye, KDHE/ Kansas Cancer Partnership; Brian Hanson, Kansas State University Winter is an excellent time to encourage citizens to test their homes for radon gas. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends actively reducing indoor radon levels when homes are confirmed with 4.0 pci/l of radon gas or higher. Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) county offices and all county health departments can obtain radon test kits for distribution from the Kansas Radon Program (KRP). Chronic, long-term radon gas exposure in homes increases the long-term risk of developing lung cancer. Residential radon gas exposure is the number one leading cause of lung cancer death in the U.S. for non-smokers. The KRP is promoting KRAM through state-wide radio and television public education announcements in association with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) between January 15 and March 15, KRP personnel are available to schedule public education programs on request throughout winter KRP personnel are also available for phone, newspaper or live broadcast interviews. The KRP encourages all KSRE offices and county health departments to include articles in monthly newsletters or newspaper columns promoting KRAM. Visit or call (800)

3 Radon has been receiving increased interest in school settings in Kansas. The Kansas Radon Program (KRP) would like to use this opportunity to review the resources available to the radon industry related to its interactions with schools. Radon measurement protocols for schools and other large commercial buildings are substantially different than those used in residential settings. Properly characterizing the radon in a school requires conducting a footprint test of the school building. A footprint radon test consists of simultaneously testing all commonly occupied ground-contact rooms, including but not limited to 1) all ground contact classrooms, 2) ground contact office and conference spaces, and 3) ground contact common spaces such as gymnasiums, theaters, and libraries. The KRP recommends that when conducting school and large building radon testing that the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists- American National Standards Institute (AARST-ANSI) Schools and Large Building (MALB-2014) measurement standard protocol be used. This protocol provides the standard processes necessary to properly characterize radon concentrations in complex building types. School and large building testing can present radon professionals with several challenges not commonly seen in residential settings. One, school testing will commonly require measurement professionals to simultaneously deploy radon measurement devices in anywhere from rooms. This type of deployment activity dramatically increases the complexity of logistics and quality assurance/quality control activities. Two, school and large building measurements need to be conducted during occupied hours. Measurement device deployments will often occur in classrooms and offices occupied by staff or students. Three, deployment activities will often generate questions by students and staff that radon measurement professionals need to be prepared to answer. The KRP provides several resources to the radon industry specifically and schools in general. The KRP can provide market-based continuing education to the radon industry on school radon measurement and mitigation activities. The KRP can also act as a technical resource for school districts undergoing radon measurement and mitigation activities; the KRP can provide 1) staff training and outreach on radon, 2) provide public education to parental groups and 3) assist school districts in assessing measurement outcomes and potential mitigation options. Contact the Kansas Radon Program at for additional information or with questions regarding school radon activities. 3

In May of 2018, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Radiation Control Program sent out 2,564 letters to homes which had tested above 4 pci/l during 2016 but did not have a subsequent

4 In May of 2018, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Radiation Control Program sent out 2,564 letters to homes which had tested above 4 pci/l during 2016 but did not have a subsequent record of mitigation. The intent was to explore why there was a low mitigation rate in Kansas and to identify the main barriers preventing people from mitigating their homes. The following is a summary of the results. A full report will be available on the KDHE website. There were 71 people who took the survey, either via web or over the phone. 48 recipients called directly to KDHE to discuss the letter without taking the survey. Most phone calls were individuals who had already mitigated. Of the 71 responses, 29 responded that a mitigation system had been installed. This result helped to inform how mitigation records are stored in the KDHE database and helped in the ongoing development of an online data submission platform. Most people who had not mitigated were still uncertain whether they would or not. Further, 21 of the 30 individuals who had not yet received an estimate claimed they intended to do so. Of the people who had not received an estimate, 22 of 30 cited cost as a barrier preventing them from mitigating 15 of 16 individuals who rated their satisfaction with their mitigation system were extremely satisfied. The most common sources of radon information cited were realtors and online sources While there is potential for bias and a low response rate, there are some takeaways from the data. Many people cite cost as a barrier, despite never having gotten an estimate. It could be worthwhile for mitigation technicians that offer free estimates to advertise that fact, helping make sure people are well informed regarding their own mitigation cost. People who have mitigated responded positively when asked to rate their satisfaction with mitigation. Testimonials from clients who have mitigated their homes and are happy with their system could also be a way to convince others of the value of mitigation. In addition, most people are getting their information on radon from realtors and online. It is important to make sure that realtors are giving accurate information and people are referred to reliable online sources of information regarding radon. In these ways, it may be possible to convey the value of a mitigation system relative to the health of the homeowner and occupants. Increasing mitigation rates is not only good for protecting the health of Kansans, but also helps to generate business for the certified community. SAVE THE DATE! AARST International Radon Symposium AARST Membership Benefits include: Specialized Insurance, Business Discounts, Travel Discounts, Fleet Discounts, & more Visit: Denver, CO During: Sept. 8-11, 2019 Meet Us Here: Grand Hyatt Downtown Coming Soon: CALLS FOR ABSTRACTS/PAPERS CALLS FOR C.E./PRESENTERS 4

5 KDHE relies on tips and complaints to investigate non-compliance with the radon certification law in Kansas. We ve recently seen an increase in the number of tips and complaints coming in to us for investigation. Thanks to the community, we ve been able to identify, investigate, and take enforcement action against uncertified companies performing radon services, mitigation companies failing to comply with the radon mitigation standards, and measurement companies failing to comply with the statutes governing radon measurements in Kansas. It is important to remember that, when notifying us of an issue, you should supply as much information as possible. Often, all we receive is a picture and an address. Without the name of the company, date of installation, homeowner name, etc., all we can do is send a generic addressed letter asking permission to inspect, which usually does not receive a response. If we have information regarding the company itself, we can send a targeted letter requesting records and information, which is far more likely to receive a response. Keep up the good work and help us help the community! (more info on all of these at Upcoming Training: Combined Radon Measurement and Mitigation Course and Exams February 18-23, Manhattan, KS Serves all KS, NE, and NRPP Certification requirements. For content questions call Bruce Snead at Location: Unger Complex, 2323 Anderson Ave., Suite 300, Manhattan, KS To register online, visit: Continuing Education Courses Offered Before the EPA Region 7 Radon Stakeholders Meeting March 4, St. Joseph, MO Location: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 1201 N. Woodbine Rd, St. Joseph, MO (816) Measurement Course: Advanced Multi-Family Measurement ($160) - 8 hrs CE Mitigation Course: Radon Mitigation Quality Assurance ($160) - 8 hrs CE Register Online: EPA Region 7 Radon Stakeholders Meeting March 5, St. Joseph, MO (Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center) Register here: 5

The Kansas Radon Program (KRP) produces, on a semi-annual basis, updated maps documenting radon measurement activity across the state and at the county levels for all counties.

6 The Kansas Radon Program (KRP) produces, on a semi-annual basis, updated maps documenting radon measurement activity across the state and at the county levels for all counties. Current maps with data through June 2018 are available at It is important to understand what information these provide, and what information they do not. The maps include state or county observed radon average, maximum reported radon value, total reported measurements, and the total reported measurements greater than or equal to 4 pci/l and greater than or equal to 20 pci/l. EPA Region 7 Stakeholders Meeting March 5, 2019 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center St Joseph, MO Register for the EPA Region 7 Radon Stakeholders Meeting - Free 6

Conducting and Assessing Radon Surveys in Schools & Commercial Buildings

Conducting and Assessing Radon Surveys in Schools & Commercial Buildings CIHC 2015 Annual Conference December 7, 2015 Gustavo A. Delgado, Ph.D. California Radon Measurement Provider Forensic Analytical